Since the end of last year, my daughter and I have faced one hardship after another. I was unfairly let go from my job due to a lasting injury, and because of medical restrictions, I haven’t been able to find steady work. Around the same time, we had to take over full responsibility for the rent on the apartment we were previously sharing. Thankfully, through the kindness and support of others, we’ve been able to cover rent and we’re incredibly grateful for that.

But the challenges haven’t stopped. Last month, the car I was using to earn extra income as a taxi was totaled in an accident. That case is still unresolved. Then, toward the end of May, we were devastated by the passing of my mother, a heartbreaking loss for our family.

And now, our beloved cat, Chicle, who we’ve raised since birth and who has brought us so much comfort during these hard times, has fallen seriously ill. With all the stress we’ve been under, we didn’t notice how bad things had gotten until it became urgent. The emergency vet told us he had bladder stones and would need surgery. They gave us two options: move forward with the expensive procedure or try a prescription diet and hope it would dissolve the stones. With hope, we chose the second option, as the medical costs were already more than we could manage.

Unfortunately, his condition has worsened, and surgery is now necessary. The estimated cost is $15,000 to more. We don’t want to give up on him. He’s been our companion, our emotional support, and a symbol of our determination to keep going despite everything.

We are asking for your help. Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward his surgery and care. Please help us give Chicle a second chance and bring some light back into our lives.